Review: Motorola Edge (2022)

This is the first decent Motorola phone in some time, if you’re not averse to the mediocre camera.

I’VE FELT LIKE I’m breaking a record almost every occasion I’ve published about Motorola. The company’s Android smartphones have been the pinnacle of good. The company shoots its self in the way when it comes to not being up to date with specific features. Its shoddy support for software often leaves old devices with no major updates to their software, and a large number smartphones do not have the ability to perform contactless payments (handy for those who have left their cash at home).

However, there is a change in the air. The brand new Motorola Edge (2022) is the first of Motorola’s new smartphones to offer promises of three Android version updates as well as four years of bimonthly security updates which puts it in line with the similar phones and OnePlus (though Google Pixels and Samsung phones are a bit better). It is also among the few sub-$500 Motorola phones that can come with NFC for contactless payment in the US.

Take these good information with the knowledge that Edge will be the very first Motorola to be shipped in 100% recycled materials. It will also be completely carbon offset. The company claims that it will reduce the amount of plastic garbage by 5.7 tonnes as well as the CO2 emission by 83 tons All I can truly tell you is that it’s it’s finally.

Competitive Edge

I’d like to briefly discuss the price of the brand new Motorola Edge. Its MSRP is $599 however Motorola offers it at an “limited time” at $499. This is a tactic we’ve seen from Motorola since a while and, while the price may increase within a couple of weeks, the Edge is sold out so often that you’ll likely find the Edge price drop to $499. The message is to stay away from this phone for the price of MSRP. It’s initially available exclusively through T-Mobile however it will eventually be available through other carriers such as AT&T and Verizon as well as an unlocked version will be sold through Amazon as well as Best Buy.

For just $499, you’ll get plenty of cutting edges (heh) capabilities. This is wireless charging something isn’t typically found in lower-end Android phones in addition to the 6.6-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 144 Hz. It’s the Google Pixel 6A is our most-loved phone does not come with wireless charging, and the screen has a standard 60Hz display refresh.

It is possible to read more about the refresh rate system here however you’re viewing the equivalent of 144 images per second on the screen, as opposed to 60. This makes every aspect of the interface, from animated images in your interface, to games that play video appear as if they’ve been played more smoothly. The majority of high-end phones run at 120 Hz. I observed a small distinction when compared with the Google Pixel 6 Pro with its 120-Hz display however, only when I placed the two phones side-by-side and needed be forced to really focus my attention. However, a refresh speed that is this high is a great benefit. The Edge’s display is vibrant shades and black levels that are inky and is bright enough to read on bright days.

In the middle of the display, towards the bottom, is an easy-to-reach fingerprint sensor which is solid. When it comes to accessibility, I’m not averse to the size of the Edge. It’s big, sure but Motorola has been able to trim the phone down to a point that it’s cutting its weight so that it doesn’t feel heavy in the palm of your hand. In fact, it weighs 170 grams. The 6.6-inch Samsung Galaxy S22+ weighs more than 26 grams. (The light weight is probably due to the frame made of plastic and the rear.) I would prefer that the Edge had a more unique look. It’s generic and is available in just a dull gray.

The battery’s performance is one of the major features for Motorola phones. Despite its slim appearance, Moto has stuffed a massive 5,000-mAh battery here. Do I feel a bit nervous when a manufacturer packs an huge battery in an extremely thin phone? Perhaps. However, I haven’t seen any issues as of yet. Motorola states that the phone comes with a thermal control system that prevents overheating. Motorola says it has “built-in temperature sensors to monitor the temperature at all times.”

The positive is this device is able to last up to two full days on one charge for normal usage. When my power was out and I reliant on the Edge for my laptop, it ran throughout the day, running over seven hours time and had about 20 percent remaining at 2 am. This is quite impressive.

Performance in general is an absolute standout. Its Edge has the MediaTek Dimensity1050 chip and I’ve not seen any major slowdowns or stutters. The camera app may take a couple additional seconds to load however games like Apex Legends Mobile performed without issue (the phone got only a bit warm after two games). The chip also has the sub-6 support for 5G (mmWave as well, but it’s dependent on the model you choose and the retailer you buy the chip from) This means you won’t be restricted to 4G LTE.

The stereo speakers in this phone aren’t particularly high-end, yet they do sound decent. If you’re hoping for a headphone port, however it won’t be there. You won’t see a microSD slot either. These are features that were removed from flagship phonesand are being removed from mid-range phones as well. The model comes with 128GB in internal memory in the basic model but you can upgrade it to 256GB.

Another issue? It has waterproofing rating of IP52. It shields it from water damage, but not the phone against rain but it doesn’t prevent an accidental plunge in the water. It’s true that both the cheaper Google Pixel 6A as well as the Samsung Galaxy A53 come with IP67 ratings It’s a pity that Motorola could not match them.

The Edge is running Android 12.3 straight out of the box and Motorola does not interfer with the OS in any way and that’s always a positive thing. The “Ready for” platform lets users wirelessly connect their phone to screens in the vicinity (if they allow Miracast) to allow the Android desktop experience, or connect via cables. I was able to use it when I tested it on the Motorola Edge+ earlier in the year–especially to stream an audio call on my TV and use the phone as webcam. I tested the latest Edge using an LG C1 device and had no issues connecting.

Dulled Edge

So far, so good, however everything good have to be a part of the process cameras have been known to be the weak point on Motorola phones and it’s no different with this model. There’s a main camera with 50 megapixels and an ultrawide 13-megapixel (with macro mode) and an 8-megapixel selfie camera.

Edge Edge is able to produce excellent pictures during the day. And using Motorola’s Night Vision mode, you are able to get decent low-light photos when you are able to stand still while you press the shutter. But, I’ve also seen certain photos that aren’t worth the effort from this phone.